It is so hard to just sit idle while you spout misinformation. I had planned to do this privately and I still think that we should because you seem to enjoy the attention.
To begin with The Catholic Church does not need to Interpret Sacred Scripture. She was there when Scripture was written. The Writers of Scripture were there and they were the Ones that Taught those that went on to teach others. She was there when Christ Himself explained everything to His Church and Commanded His Church to � Go to the Ends of the world and TEACH��.
Chuck, most of what was taught was taught by Word of Mouth�ORALLY! Nothing was written down until years later. There was an Oral Tradition in The Church that was Guarded ZEALOUSLY! There was no problem with excepting the Catholic Church as The Sole Authority concerning Sacred Scripture until after Luther rebelled.
It wasn�t your church Chuck that Christ Commanded�your church started�what�10 years ago from another church that split from another church because their Pastor offended them by demanding that they do something that their interpretation of Scripture said differently.
Your church get�s its interpretation from The Holy Spirit�right?
What does your church say that this Scripture means?
2 Thessalonians 2:15
�Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.�
And what about this one?
1 Corinthians 11:2
�I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.�
And this one?
Titus 1:9
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
It seems that Scripture says that the �message� that has been Taught must be passed on, but of course since The Holy Spirit shows you the correct interpretation�it should jibe with what The Church has known since the beginning.
So�Chuck�what does The Holy Spirit say this all means?
what I am doing is ...admitting I am a imperfect person living in a fallen world of men and demons following the Holy Spirit the best I can using scripture as a guide and trusting God for the out come.
No offense., but you seem to be saying:
Your knowledge of scripture is always without error, because you belong to the only true church, the only one allowed by God to interpret scripture and the man leading it can never make a mistake or utter a false word, ie infallible.
:purpleangel:It must be nice not to have to try to hear God, not have to study, pray and fast for the truth, not to have to build a supernatural relationship with the Highest Spiritual Being in existence. Some people just seem to get everything handed to them on a silver platter. I think one who has been literally handed such perfect knowledge would show compassion on us who are less fortunate, those of us who see the truth dimly, those of us less blessed, less loved by God.:purpleangel:
Where's your cup...I have a dime I can drop in it.
I am far...Far....Way FAR from perfect. I just don't rely on my own brain when it comes to Scripture. Because I am imperfect and capable of mistakes...I leave the final court of appeal to the Church that has held onto The Full Deposit of Faith and I submit to Her Knowledge of that Deposit of Faith.
Chuck...you admit She has the Authority to pick The Canon of The New Testament, yet you reserve how Scripture is Interpreted for yourself.
Tell me again Chuck how I am the one "puffing themselves up"?
* The catholic church as it exists now did not exist at the time the canon of scripture was compiled
* The catholic church recognizes 15 additional books as authoritative that I to not.
*Even if I was to agree with you, (which I don't) I would say God used the catholic church to accomplish a certain thing at a certain time ie compile the new testament. God used a donkey to talk to Balaam so do we hold donkeys in high esteem today? God used temple ritual and sacrifices, are they still in use today? If God used the catholic church it does not mean it has a irrevocable stamp of approval for all time!
I've got to go pay the rent (work). It may be a while before I return and am able to play. I don't know of any other Catholic on this site that will allow themselves to be battered by you...but I am also certain that will not stop you from writing on walls.
When I return...perhaps things will have cooled down a bit and we can have a fair discussion.
How about politics? "Don't tell...go to heck" policy in the military. Are you for or against? The Bush Tax Exemptions...continue them or end them? Socialism or ?...which do you prefer? Paper or plastic?
Steve I wish you would stop trying to prove you're right and start trying to see the truth......I do not mean this sarcastically or argumentively. You would not be feeling all that is in you if there wasn't something going on. That something is not me or anyone else. You have been given truths that conflict with the catholic church, it would br difficult for anyone who held the catholic church dear to hear such truths, but consider yourself blessed, not every catholic gets the opprotunity to hear what you have heard.
Hebrews 3;7
"So as the Holy Spirit says : Today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts....."
